A teenage thug has been jailed for leaving a champion bodybuilder scarred for life after slashing him with a knife as he tried to stop a woman being attacked.
Aidan Morrissey, 18, launched a frenzied attack on have-a-go-hero Will Flint, 27, who needed 60 stitches.
Morrissey stabbed Mr Flint, a champion bodybuilder, in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Mr Flint was waiting at a cash point on Bristol Road, Birmingham, when he saw Morrissey dragging a woman by her hair and punch her in the eye.
He approached Morrissey who attacked him with a blade.
Mr Flint, who had martial arts training, managed to block several blows but suffered 12 knife wounds to his chest, stomach and shoulder.
Morrissey fled but was caught following a major police appeal.
Morrissey, of Weoley Castle, Birmingham, was jailed for eight years ten months after he admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article.
He also admitted two counts of battery against a woman.
Speaking after he was jailed on February 9 at Birmingham Crown Court, Mr Flint said:
“I was at the ATM when I heard a commotion: a young woman was being yelled at.
“I spoke to the man but almost immediately he pulled a knife and began stabbing me.
“I have had some martial arts training and managed to deflect some of the blows, without that I’m not sure I would still be alive.
“It was a traumatic time not only for myself but also my family; it will have a lasting physical and emotional impact and the scars will stay with me for life.
“It’s unlikely I’ll be able to return to full fitness again because of this and just shows how knives can permanently affect someone’s life.”
Mr Flint, who has won a string of national physique competitions is still recovering from his injuries and does not believe he will compete again.
Detective Constable Gareth Johnson, from West Midlands Police CID, said: “This was a particularly severe attack and one that highlights the dangers of carrying a knife as just one momentary lapse can have long-lasting consequences.
“Knife crime is unacceptable and we are committed to punishing those who ignore the risks and dangers of illegally carrying one.
“We were thankful to the information provided by the public following our appeal which helped to build up the case against Morrissey.”
